MDC-T Zengeza MP denies assault charges

Prosper Dembedza Court CorrespondentZENGEZA East Member of Parliament Alex Leon Musundire (MDC-T) is denying being part of a gang of 20 people who assaulted a 61-year-old man for unclear reasons saying the charge was politically motivated.

Magistrate Ms Vongai Muchuchuti deferred the matter to February 11 for continuation of trial.

In his defence outline, Musundire said he only arrived at the scene of the incident around 6pm and has no idea of who perpetrated the said assault.

“Accused will state that he is being maliciously smeared since he is an MP on an MDC ticket and the issue is politically motivated to frustrate deliverance of his duties,” reads part of his defence out- line.

He further stated that the incident occurred at a house where Amos Kafere had been ordered off by Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court and he was clearly violating a lawful court order and courting the ire of the residents.

Prosecutor Ms Anesu Matorofa alleged that on February 14 last year at around 4pm, Musundire, in the company of 20 other people, went to Kafere’s house in Chitungwiza.

It is alleged that upon arrival, Musundire attacked Kafere using a golf club.

The court heard that Musundire struck Kafere once on the neck and he fell to the ground.

Allegations are that as Kafere tried to get up, Musundire hit him on the forehead using the same golf club.

Kafere reported the matter to the police, leading to Musundire’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Harare magistrate Mr Takunda Mtetwa last week issued a warrant of arrest for MDC-T Member of Parliament for Mabvuku-Tafara constituency James Maridadi after he failed to turn up at court for his trial.

Maridadi is facing charges of unauthorised borrowing or use of property after allegedly grabbing, in a fit of rage, a parking ticket book worth $2,50 from a National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) salesman.

He is on $100 bail.

The MDC-T legislator was supposed to appear in court for continuation of his trial on January 28 but was in no-show.

Allegations are that on October 9 Zivanai Muzokomba, who is employed by the NRZ as a ticket salesman, was manning the NRZ parcels parking zone and was receipting parking fees.

It is alleged that Maridadi parked his vehicle at the NRZ-controlled car park and Mr Muzokomba waited for Maridadi’s return when he asked the legislator to pay the parking fees, but Maridadi became furious and demanded to see the ticket book which the salesman was using.

Mr Muzokomba, the court heard, showed Maridadi the ticket book but the legislator grabbed the book and drove away along Kenneth Kaunda Avenue.

It is the State’s case that Muzokomba noted down Maridadi’s vehicle registration number and reported the case at Harare Central Police Station.

A Central Vehicle Registry check revealed that the legislator owned the vehicle.